Homemade Marshmallows (corn free)

My children were so excited about cooking over our new fire pit, that they decided we really needed some marshmallows. Our marshmallows turned out not to work very well for roasting, as they melted off of the roasting sticks. However, they were light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious.

2 Tablespoons unflavored gelatin

8 Tablespoons cold water

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup cold water

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

powdered sugar (make your own for a corn free version)

Dust an 8 or 9 inch glass dish with powdered sugar. In a small bowl, soak the unflavored gelatin in the 8 Tablespoons of cold water. Set aside. Combine the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Cook and stir until dissolved. Add gelatin and bring to boil. Pour into mixing bowl and let cool slightly. Add salt and vanilla. Beat with your electric mixer until soft and double in volume. Pour into prepared pan and let cool. When ready, cover top with more powdered sugar. Gently work loose from pan and dump onto cutting surface. Cut into squares and dip in powdered sugar. Keep in air tight container for up to three weeks.